"Our timeline hasn’t changed," general manager Jerry Dipoto said. "Six weeks until he begins throwing. Eight until we anticipate we can make a better judgment on when he will rejoin the club."

Dipoto announced the medical update shortly after the Mariners transferred Smyly to the 60-day disabled list to create room on their 40-man roster for reliever Evan Marshall, whom they acquired in a waiver claim from Arizona.

Smyly complained of a sore elbow following a March 28 bullpen workout in Peoria, Ariz., and, after being diagnosed a few days later the strained flexor in his elbow, sought a second opinion.

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Smyly is a five-year veteran who was 7-12 with a 4.88 ERA last season for Tampa Bay while making a career-high 30 starts. The Mariners see him as a good fit as a fly-ball pitcher because of their improved outfield defense.

"We gave up a package of players to get him," Dipoto said last week, "with the idea that this guy really fits our ballpark, our team — and he fits us for more than 2017. So we want to make sure that we’re doing the right thing for Drew."

The Mariners recalled lefty Ariel Miranda from Triple-A Tacoma after Smyly’s injury. Miranda will make his season debut Thursday in the conclusion to a four-game series against the Astros.

About Bob Dutton

Bob Dutton joined The News Tribune in 2013 after more than 25 years at the Kansas City Star, including the last 13 covering baseball and the Royals. He was the president of the Baseball Writers' Association of America in 2008 and serves on the committee that nominates players to the Hall of Fame.